The Work for LGBTQ Equality Continues

This week the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission declared that workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees is barred, citing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This decision applies to employment only, and does not explicitly provide protections for housing or education. That being said, the ruling is a victory for the LGBTQ community.

On the heels of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of marriage equality, equality seems to be spreading. But even as we celebrate, I am reminded of the often quoted words found in Pirkei Avot: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” As inclusion and equality spreads for the LGBTQ community, now is not the time to desist from the work.

There is still much to be done, and each step in a positive direction is a call for celebration — and a call for yet another step forward. With so much progress being made, who knows how far our work will take us?

 

Read more about the EEOC ruling, including information on a previous ruling that protects transgender folks under the believe that anti-trans bias is sex discrimination under Title VII.

 

Like this post?

Discover More

The Hobby Lobby Supreme Court Case: How One Case Could Change Everything

Rabbi (to be) Ari Naveh recently shared how he balances the line between being a gay rabbi—and a rabbi who ...

Federations Get Serious About LGBTQ Inclusion

This summer the UJA-Federation of New York hosted a Community Conversation on LGBTQ Engagement, a conference convened to discuss ideas of LGBTQ ...

Welcoming LGBTQ Jews and Their Loved Ones into the Mishkan

Today we are sharing Joanna Ware’s Keynote speech from Kindness Counts: Welcoming LGBTQ Jews and Their Loved Ones into the ...